In Hull, 93 workers are affected and have been personally told the company wants to close the store as part of M&S’s programme to "reshape its UK store estate".

All staff will now enter a consultation period in what the company describes as an “incredibly difficult decision”.

The store, which has been open for at least 118 years, is one of 17 stores nationwide which has been listed as earmarked for closure.

But there is fresh hope as the firm says it "remains open" to the potential for a different future in Hull.

Shoppers reacted to the news with shock. Some blamed online shopping, others cited the stores own high prices as the reason for the closure and some said the shop was chosen for closure because the building is "run down."

M&S Foodhall's in Anlaby, Beverley and Kingswood will remain open (Image: Katie Pugh)

Many believe the firm will re-locate though. Commenting on the Hull Live Facebook page, and in Hull Facebook groups such as One Hull of a City, many shoppers say they believe the shop will reopen elsewhere, within the city centre.

Shoppers have named St Stephen's area of the city centre as a possible place to open a new shop.

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